It never gets an easier...

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Dazed'n'confused

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Apologies, I should know better, I've been here more than a few times, I know the drill, I know it's gets easier afterwards & I know it's the right thing to do as responsible owners BUT arghhhhhhhhhhhh WHY is it so hard to say goodbye to a faithful friend......

I need to get a grip & do the kindest thing for my companion pony -she had lami this spring which we got through but her off fore has changed so much that she's really struggling over uneven ground & her near fore knee is struggling to cope with the extra weight she puts on it (very arthritic from an old kick injury which is why she's a companion).
I could X-ray, remedial shoe etc etc but as she wasn't even sound to start with, always struggles with weight issues & can't be excercised I feel I'm just putting off the inevitable for my benefit & not hers & that doesn't sit right with me (I know many will think me heartless).

Then there's her little friend.....he's in his 30's, has a heart murmur, cushings, no grinding surface left to his teeth, only has light/dark differential eyesight & has a tumour behind one eye that is slowly pushing it out....(although he is still very jolly about life)! He relies on the other pony to be his protector/eyes when he's unsure....
I would have them pts together as I don't want to put an old man through the trauma of losing his best friend...

There's no point to this post now I think about it!! It has done me good to write it down however so thanks for reading if you got this far'
 
oh bless you. What a horrible situation. I think you know in your heart of hearts whats the right thing to do, especially with winter around the corner. It's the last kindness you can give, definitely not heartless.

Hugs to you and the neds.
 
How sad for you. I think absolutely, and without a shadow of a doubt, the best way forward is to have both the ponies PTS together. The little old man is very likely to go into a rapid decline without his mare and then your hand will be forced and everything could become rushed and even more stressful and I'm sure that you would much prefer to be in control of the whole situation. I chose to have my old girl PTS and made my mind up some months before, and notified the vets of my decision. I let her go through the summer and then selected the week and the best weather forecast for a particular day as I didn't want her going down in the cold and wet. I also wanted her safely away before the fireworks started as they always terrified her and I dreaded the run-up, let alone the day itself (and New Year too of course). She might have gone through another winter but what would either have us have gained by it? Her body was worn out and failing her and if anyone deserved a nice gentle ending in a calm and dignified manner it was her. It was incredibly hard, my first (and last) horse but I did my best to look on it as a visit from the vet that would cure her once and for all of all her aches and pains. And I'm sure others will tell you - once it is done, it is a huge relief.
 
Bless you, it is the hardest but also the kindest decision, as you know. Losing the two of them together will be hardest on you, but most definitely the kindest thing for them.
Give them lots of love and treats before they go, and let them go, knowing that you are doing the bravest thing an owner can do.
They do take a bit of you with them; take care of yourself once it's done and give yourself time to grieve.
 
What an awful time, but what lucky animals they are to have a concerned owner who is willing to put them first. Thoughts with you at this awful time.
 
Thank you all, it helps to know you're all there supporting me!
I'm going to go outside & see her walking painfully round their field & I'll ring my vet (who luckily is a friend too) & let her know it's time....
These are not the first tears I've shed over having a horse pts & I don't suppose they'll be the last....
Thanks again..
 
My old boy is being done tomorrow and it's torture for me, but it's the best decision for him. I had the vet out last week and he confirmed my thoughts. It's time
 
what horrible decisions we all have to make., so much better to do it while there is still some quality of life. i had my horse put down on 13th sept and then had my old dog put down on 26th... it was right for both of them but i still feel a bit shell shocked and cant believe they are both gone. my mare was 25 and my dog almost 13...i havent yet had a single day where i havent been in tears and know it will get easier in time as i have had dogs and horses for many years. sounds like you have made your decision and hope all goes well on the day....
 
Having just last week had my two done, I know the feeling.
Death is so hard on those it leaves behind, but so peaceful on those it takes. They will both be eternally grateful for your act of kindness.
Thinking of you.
 
Not in the remotest heartless, quite the opposite. I am also putting off making "that" phonecall for my dearest old mare, but better to do it while they are still feeling good, than waiting until they are miserable.
 
TheMule said:
My old boy is being done tomorrow and it's torture for me, but it's the best decision for him. I had the vet out last week and he confirmed my thoughts. It's time
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Thinking of you today..... Sending hugs


To all who have replied, thank you, it's much appreciated. They are being pts on Saturday morning. I'm heartbroken but I know it's he right decision....
 
TheMule said:
My old boy is being done tomorrow and it's torture for me, but it's the best decision for him. I had the vet out last week and he confirmed my thoughts. It's time
Click to expand...

Is that Boss TheMule? If so I'm very sad to read it and I'm sure it's been a tough decision for you. He's amazing, I had some very happy times riding him at Hall Place.

Dazed'n'confused said:
Thinking of you today..... Sending hugs


To all who have replied, thank you, it's much appreciated. They are being pts on Saturday morning. I'm heartbroken but I know it's he right decision....
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Big hugs OP, and well done on taking a tough decision for them xxx
 
Dazed'n'confused said:
Thinking of you today..... Sending hugs


To all who have replied, thank you, it's much appreciated. They are being pts on Saturday morning. I'm heartbroken but I know it's he right decision....
Click to expand...

I was going to write just what Cortez wrote: you don't sound heartless, not in the least - quite the opposite, from what you wrote. Doesn't make the decision whether to wave the white flag any easier, though.

I think the forecast is good all this week and including the weekend. Will think of you during the next few days and on Saturday, and same for The Mule today.
 
So sorry to hear this. I have always found making the decision is the hardest part of all and afterwards, especially with elderly and ill animals, there comes a relief they are now out of any pain or suffering. It is such a hard thing to do, but a brave thing and the right decision.
 
You are all so kind, thank you...

WorkingGSD, you're right, making the decision is the worst part & I know once they're gone I will be relieved. Every piece of advice/words of comfort that you've all given is just what I would say to someone else, it's just hard to say it to yourself! I think I'm struggling more this time because there's two of them...
 
No it never gets any easier, they are our beloved friends, companions and members of our family.

It's not heartless but the exact opposite - selfless. You are putting them before you.

Having lost a much beloved old mare in July you have my thoughts and virtual support and hugs xx
 
Keich, sorry you're having to go through this, it's the *worst* decision to have to make. I've made it twice this year two months apart, to have had to have made it at the same time would have been awful, can't begin to know what to say to give you any comfort :(
 
Thank you...just taking the time to reply helps...
I feel sure it's the right thing for them but I still feel guilty (as you do!)
Just going out now to give the lamest pony more hay & a bute top up & the really old boy his night time buckets of mush!
I will miss their little faces ....
 
As an old huntsman and ex jump jockey once told me in my youth. "There is one last kindness we can give to a faithful friend"
 
The most awful decision to make, but the bravest and kindest decision of all. You're doing this because you care and you don't want your lovely ponies to suffer. It's much easier to put your head in the sand, but you're not doing that. It'll be the worst time for you, but rest assured that you are doing the best thing. Stay strong. Kind thoughts and take care of yourself - it's never easy. x
 
big hugs, you know whats best and you gave them a good life. So they will be happily waiting for you in rainbow bridge. pain free.

Such a hard thing to do but you're right ot address it and it is the kindest thing to do for them both. You're letting them go on a good note so be proud, and stay strong.
Heres another hug.
 
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